Monthly Archives: January 2014

Composers of new, original mele or songs about the Ko`olaupoko area of O`ahu are being invited to enter the 2014 “Na Mele Ko`olaupoko Original Song Composers Competition”, slated for Sept. 21 at Windward Mall. The song composers competition is coordinated by the Ko’olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club and sponsored by Hawaiian Electric Company and Windward Mall.

“We invite our community to use the inspiration of our beautiful moku (district) of Ko`olaupoko from Kualoa to Waimanalo – to write new mele that speak of the people, places, spirit or anything else that can be commemorated in song,” said Aunty Alice Hewett, president of the civic club.

There will be cash prizes in three categories: amateur, professional, and Hawaiian language. Participants will be allowed to enter only one category of the competition.

“Our last competition two years ago brought out 19 new songs, new mele about places, people and things the Ko`olaupoko region,” Hewett said. It was a wonderful, memorable event, with many songs that should someday be recorded professionally.”

“Our community has a rich heritage, not just in our Hawaiian culture, but aiso in the diversity of our people,” she said. “We are hoping that many more composers or people who may have a song rising in their hearts Will put pen to paper, and put music to their Words, and bring them to the competition to share with the World. We look forward to hearing these mele.”

The deadline for submitting an entry form to participate in the competition is Aug. 14., and a CD or DVD of the mele must be submitted by Aug. 31. Each composer must perform original song on stage at Windward Mall or arrange for someone else to perform during the competition.